This week was very interesting and difficult. Once again, the learning materials have opened my eyes to other perspectives and the viewpoints of others and reminded me of how I need to think more about the big picture than what's going on in my little world.
The abortion movie--to put words to how I felt after watching this is difficult. I did not know how an abortion was performed until I watched the video. (If you don't think about it--it doesn't exist)
What perplexed me the most was the role the nurse played in each of these abortions. On one hand, she was completely supportive, caring, and concerned for the patient and her well-being. I wanted to "like" her. On the other hand, how can she go to work and do this everyday without having it wear on her? How does she mentally prepare herself for her job every day? Does the nurse believe in a higher power? If so, how can she do her job?
Strangely enough, I did not feel the same way about the doctor. He was a robot through the whole procedure without emotion. He was so cold and clinical. Does he feel that he is "healing" or "curing" these women with the procedure he performed?
I am really trying to be more open-minded and look at every angle of the story. However, I just don't think that either of these young ladies thought this decision through and I don't believe that they really considered adoption as a realistic option. In my opinion, carrying the baby for 9 months and not being able to give it up after birth is a pretty lame excuse. They were being selfish. If they really cared for the baby, they would carry it, give birth, and give it up for adoption and try to put their feelings aside.
There were plenty of resources available to make adoption possible, even in the depressed economic area they lived in. Someone would wanted that child even if the mother didn't.
Last thought--I am very glad the Safe Haven law has been implemented. It gives mothers another option that wasn't available when this movie was filmed.
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I enjoy reading your posts and am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this:
ReplyDeleteHow about the role that society plays in these decisions? Do you feel that society places judgement on someone who would carry a baby to term and then give it away? Does society judge them first for getting pregnant when they are either not married or not in the best position to bring a baby into the world; and second for not wanting to keep the baby after it is born?
I often thought that this is a shame. Perhaps if we relaxed our views just a bit and quit judging others -- instead embracing them in their time of need, those babies could be born and given to families that so desperately want them.
I am also glad that the Safe Haven law has been implemented. However, I'm sure that society exacts a price from these women as well.
Having an abortion may not be the best answer, but for some women, they may feel it's their only choice. Especially if they are not strong enough to face their parents, their families, their community and be held in judgement for 9+ months. And yes, society would judge them having an abortion as well, but I would think that in many cases, no one other than the medical staff even knows whether or not a woman had an abortion.
Just my 2-cents...
Julie--I like the spin you put on this--it made me think of my teenage daughter. If my daughter ever came home and told me she was pregnant, I would flip out. She would feel so terrible, like she let us down and she would be embarrassed. She would not be able to play sports, and her status of National Honor Society would probably be removed. She would be a prime candidate for a teen getting an abortion (and not telling her parents) because of the role society plays in this. You are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteObviously, I would think that she would tell us--but she knows I would want to talk her out of it. I would want her to know that I would be supportive of her so she would not have an abortion. I honestly don't know what she would do. She has a wonderful future and she has often commented on older classmates who are pregnant that have totally screwed up their lives.
Would people look down at her for giving her child away? Yes, absolutely. But, compared to abortion, its the lesser of 2 evils. Thanks for being the devil's advocate! Good thoughts! :)